In 2022, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) inspected 13,000 businesses in retail, craft and hospitality for allergen information. This showed that 60% of the businesses do not properly inform their customers about which allergens are included in the food. The regulator does see a slight improvement when it comes to providing information (menu or plate), but when asked further what is in the food, knowledge of allergens usually turns out to be limited. It can be dangerous for people with allergies or intolerances if they are not properly informed about what is in food.

Still much to improve

Companies are obliged to inform consumers about allergens in unpacked food. Inspection results show that 6 in 10 companies still do not inform their customers properly.

The NVWA was able to conduct many more inspections in 2022 than in 2021. Due to the COVID pandemic, fewer inspections could be carried out in 2021. Although the figures are not fully comparable as a result, hardly any improvement can be seen. The NVWA will also continue to actively monitor allergen information in the coming period and will engage in discussions with the industries on how to raise awareness of this.

Inspection results 2022 compared to 2021

• In the craft sector (such as bakers, butchers and ice cream parlours), the NVWA visited 2,256 businesses. The results are about the same. 48% meets the conditions.
• In the hospitality industry (such as restaurant, hotel, cafeteria), the NVWA visited 9,407 establishments. Here, things are slightly better than last year. 41% are compliant (last year 35 %).
• In retail (supermarkets and convenience stores), the NVWA visited 1,171 businesses. Here things are worse than last year. 38% are compliant (59% last year).
• In healthcare facilities (including hospitals and nursing homes), compliance is relatively slightly better. 65% is in compliance.

Enforcement action and measures in the form of written warnings or fines were taken in the case of those companies that did not comply.

Allergens fixed part inspection

Since 2021, allergen information has been a regular part of NVWA inspections at catering, craft, retail and healthcare facilities, in addition to supervision of hygiene and pest control, among others. Allergens are substances in food that some people can suffer allergic reactions from, which can sometimes be severe to life-threatening. Well-known examples are gluten, nuts and milk. Therefore, anyone offering food to consumers must state in advance which of the 14 allergens are present in the food. This can be done either in writing (via cards in the display case or on the menu) or verbally (by indicating that staff can be contacted for questions).

Source: NVWA